When Muhammad died how did the community split
After the death of Muhammad in 632, the Muslim community split over the issue of succession. Muhammad had not explicitly named a successor (caliph) before his death, and there were differing opinions among the Muslims regarding who should lead the community.
A majority of Muslims believed that Abu Bakr, Muhammad's close companion and father-in-law, should be the leader (caliph) due to his loyalty, wisdom, and experience. He was ultimately elected as the first caliph by the consensus of the majority.
However, another group, predominantly composed of followers of Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, believed that the caliphate should remain within Muhammad's family. They argued that Ali was the rightful successor and that Muhammad had appointed him as his successor at various instances during his lifetime. These followers of Ali are known as Shias (or Shiites) and believe in the concept of Imamate, which emphasizes the importance of leadership within Muhammad's family.
The division between those who supported Abu Bakr (later called Sunni Muslims) and those who supported Ali (Shia Muslims) marks the beginning of the Sunni-Shia split in Islam. Over time, these divisions deepened, primarily due to different interpretations of religious and political events and the dispute over the rightful leadership of the Muslim community.
When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) passed away in 632 CE, the Muslim community faced a challenge in deciding who would succeed him as the leader of the Muslims. This led to a division in the community, known as the Sunni-Shia split. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the events that took place:
1. After the death of Muhammad, a gathering took place in Saqifah Bani Sa'idah, a meeting hall in Medina, to discuss the issue of succession. The meeting was attended by prominent companions of the Prophet, including Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman.
2. Some companions believed that the leader should come from the Quraish tribe, the same tribe to which Muhammad belonged. Others believed that the leader should be chosen through consultation.
3. During the meeting, Umar ibn al-Khattab argued in favor of Abu Bakr, one of the closest companions of the Prophet, as the successor. Some other companions pledged their allegiance to Abu Bakr, and he was eventually chosen as the first caliph (successor) of the Prophet.
4. This decision to select Abu Bakr as the caliph was not accepted by everyone. A group of Muslims, mainly based in Mecca, did not consent to the decision and believed that Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, should have been appointed as the successor.
5. Those who supported Ali are known as the Shia, short for Shia'tu Ali (the Party of Ali). They believed that Ali possessed special spiritual and political qualities, and the leadership of the Muslim community should pass to him based on his close relationship to the Prophet and his knowledge of Islam.
6. Over time, the disagreements between the Sunni and Shia intensified with differences in religious beliefs, political views, and interpretations of Islamic teachings. These differences eventually led to a schism between the two major sects of Islam.
It is important to note that while the Sunni-Shia split originated from this historical event, it has evolved and encompasses a broader range of factors and complexities over the centuries.
When Muhammad, the founder of Islam, died in the year 632 CE, the Muslim community faced a significant challenge regarding the succession of leadership. This division later gave rise to two major sects in Islam — Sunnis and Shi'as.
To understand how the community split, it is crucial to look at the events following Muhammad's death.
1. The Death of Muhammad: After his death, Muhammad did not explicitly name a successor or establish a clear method of choosing one. This left the community in a state of uncertainty.
2. The Appointment of Abu Bakr: A prominent companion and close friend of Muhammad, Abu Bakr, was elected as the first caliph (leader) of the Muslim community. This decision was made by a small group of well-known companions, mainly those present in the city of Medina at the time.
3. Dispute over Succession: While the majority of Muslims accepted Abu Bakr's caliphate, a minority believed that Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, should have been the rightful successor. They argued that Muhammad had explicitly selected Ali as his successor during various instances, such as the event of Ghadir Khumm.
4. The Four Rashidun Caliphs: Abu Bakr was succeeded by Umar ibn al-Khattab, who was succeeded by Uthman ibn Affan. Eventually, Ali became the fourth caliph. However, his caliphate was marked by various challenges and conflicts, including the assassination of Uthman, which led to a rift within the Muslim community.
5. The Battle of Karbala: The culmination of the division happened in 680 CE when Ali's son, Husayn ibn Ali, along with his supporters, were martyred in the Battle of Karbala by the Umayyad Caliphate forces. This tragic event further solidified the split between the sects.
6. Sunni and Shi'a Divide: Following the Battle of Karbala, the supporters of Ali and his descendants, known as Shi'a Muslims, revered Ali and his family as the rightful successors of Muhammad. On the other hand, the majority of Muslims, who accepted the leadership of the first three caliphs and their role in guiding the community, became known as Sunni Muslims.
It is important to note that the division between Sunnis and Shi'as is not solely based on the issue of succession. Other factors, such as theological and legal differences, also contribute to their distinct identities and beliefs.